Vail Resorts

The granddaddy of American skiing is the largest resort in the United States.

by Contributor

In Short
Take away the chichi shops and malls, the top-notch dining and the charming village atmosphere, Vail would still have a megalithic resort with World Ski Championship terrain. There are 5,289 acres within three distinct mountain experiences: the Front Side, the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. The runs that orbit Vail terrain include very challenging Back Bowls. Speedy skiers can test their skills on the dual giant slalom course for an extra fee.

Vital Stats
Vertical drop: 3,450 feet
Base elevation: 8,120 feet
Top elevation: 11,570 feet
Lifts: 34
Number of trails: 193
Skiable acres: 5,289
Beginner terrain: 28 percent
Intermediate terrain: 32 percent
Expert terrain: 40 percent
Snowboarding: Full facilities

12/25/06

Diverse terrain, lots of lifts, easy access from Denver

by jamuku2

I stopped in B. Creek/Vail for a day while passing through CO right after the "big one" of '06. I've skied Vail several times an chose to ski BC for the first time because I had two dogs with me and there is a place called "Walkin The Dog" in Avon that will entertain your dogs for the day. If you have dogs I HIGHLY recommend placing them there for day camp so you can ski an not concern yourself that your pets are nervous amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.

The snow was great, the skiing was great (unless you're an intermediate as most of terrain is beginner/advanced), but I found the other skiers a bit snooty - especially the ones who owned permanent vacation homes there. That put me off a bit.

I lived in Aspen for a year and found that the social climate was much more egalitarian in spirit than Vail. If you have little or a lot of money, Aspen ecompasses more of an inclusive environment, more diversity in terrain, and a much more interesting city.

Nevertheless, both Aspen and Vail are over-priced -- where else do you have to shell out $22 for a cafeteria-style lunch? -- but even at $85 for a lift ticket, that's less than $20 an hour for a winter wonderland thrill that will give you wonderful memories for years to come.

The worst thing about Vail is sleeping next to a freeway. To truly get away, try Aspen, Steamboat, Jackson Hole, Alta, or Squaw Valley. Vail is fantastic, but the U.S. has better.

• Pros: Great terrain, great customer service, nice snow, beauty...
• Cons: Price, I-70 running through town, snooty locals/homeowners

11/11/05

You get what you pay for

by markludwin

I lived in Vail for five years; one before college and three after, and I can't say that Vail is percect. However, after skiing all over the continent and in every resort in Colorado, Vail offers something for everyone. Nice people (the locals aren't the rich ones), great terrain for all abilities, and wonderful nightlife. There are certainly better ski towns with lesser mountains, and vice versa, but Vail offers the entire package in style. You do have to know the mountain well to find all of the expert terain, but it is certainly there, especially with all of the backcountry access from China bowl. Enjoy!

11/11/05

Best Mountain in North America

by canefromtech

Unbelievable! I've skied all over North America and Vail is by far the best mountain I've found. The mountain is huge. You couldn't ski the entire mountain in one day if you tried. there are stashes of powder after a week of no snow. the nightlife ids great and they have an awesome transit system. there truly is no comparison.

• Pros: powder days anytime, back bowls, hits in the trees
• Cons: price, needs more local girl, price

10/06/05

The Complete West Coast Ski Vacation II

by kobo

I recommend taking a lesson with an expert ski instructor, he will act as a personal guide, and will take you to all the best runs, fresh powder, and away from crowds.

Vail village& Lion's Head are undergoing an exciting multi-million dollar face-lift. Improvements in housing, transportation, and dining, will accomodate more guests then ever. They are also creating another entry point to the mountain.

The nightlife scene is perfect for apres' and evening enjoyment. I recommend Terra Bistro, Vendettas, and Sweet Basil. In Lions Head, grab lunch at Moe's, this delicious& affordable BBQ shop began as a small kiosk, make sure you try their tasty sweet tea.

Vail is a beautiful piece of land, devoted to the care& protection of its skiiers and the natural beauty it embodies. Enjoy the weather, the majestic scenery, and the quality time spent with friends and loved ones.

01/28/03

Not extreme, but the best compromise

by me_whee

Great for all abilities. Mixes it up. If you can put up with the high altitude and the high price, the Game Creek Chalet (10000 ft) is the best on-the-mountain experience around.

01/28/03

Vail has Everything!

by lizardwiz

Hands down the best resort I've ever skii'd. My favorite mountain. So much terrain, you could find whatever your looking for. The got cool beginner bowls over by Lionshead. The back bowls are great for the the advanced skiier. Pretty decent blue skiing for people into that sort of thing. Can't really comment on the greens. The only negative thing I can say about this mountain is that it could use some beefing up in the terrain park area. If your into sausages eat at the 2 mile high cafe. Have fun at this mountain because you will realize long after you ski it that it will be most likely the best mountain you've ever skii'd.

• Pros: HUGE, Back Bowls, Great Village
• Cons: Weekend Lines

01/28/03

Their Is AReason Vail Is Always Rated #1

by ConsumerProtector

Vail! This is the place to come to ski. It beats anything in the West or East Coast. Nothing like Rocky Mountain Snow. It is a bit of a drive for us in Denver considering Vail Pass and it's changing weather but what fun. Great skiing and terrrain which can be too much for some. Vail is big and it can take time to treverse from East to West and visa versa. Great night life and restaurants. I have skied here and other places over the last twenty years (while in College too), but nothing matches Vail with it's Village and Covered Bridge. It is pricey but worth it

• Pros: Scenery, Skiing, Fun but Pricey
• Cons: BadPlace to Ski, Can't Afford It

12/21/02

Fantastic

by mike_palma

We just returned (48 of us) from 3 perfect days

at Vail. (DEC 13 - 15) the SNOW, SUN AND WEATHER were all just right. As the trip leder,

it made me look good.

What a great place. It is their 40th year so that

may have helped to the outstanding service by

everyone associated with the area.

12/15/02

VAIL IS AWESOME

by heath538

I love Col. for skiing. I have been to vail several times since I was a little kid. What I loved best it that I was able to take a bus from my condo there. I think that you get the best of both worlds there. They have awesome black slopes, and awesome green slopes. CHECK IT OUT!